What is Soft Tissue Manipulation?

Soft tissues include, muscles, tendons ligaments, and nerves.

Soft tissue manipulation covers a range of treatments which aim to improve the mobility of stiff, immobile soft tissues and those with poor circulation due to inactivity or increased tension. It is also used to help mobilise scar tissue, thereby preventing long term recurrence of inflammation.

Will it hurt?

Some soft tissue manipulation techniques can be quite uncomfortable as the physiotherapist moves the affected tissues, particularly if they are very tight, or very deep structures. If you keep your physiotherapist informed throughout the session, they will be able to guide treatment to a level that you are able to tolerate. We will never do any treatment without your consent.

Will I have to remove clothing?

The physiotherapist will need to see the skin of the area to be treated. If you agree to having soft tissue manipulation, you should bring clothing that will make examination and treatment of the area more comfortable for you. The physiotherapist will sometimes need to use cream or oil to prevent friction and soreness of the skin during treatment. Please ensure that you let the physiotherapist know if you have any skin allergies, or if you are intolerant of certain oils or creams.

Who does the soft tissue manipulation?

Either a qualified physiotherapist or one of our highly skilled physiotherapy assistants.

How many sessions will I have?

This varies and will depend on the findings at the time of your assessment and will be agreed with your physiotherapist after assessment.

Will I be getting massage?

Massage is one form of soft tissue manipulation that may be given within the department after discussion and agreement by a qualified physiotherapist. Massage is only ever offered when it is thought that it will contribute towards a good long term benefit. In the majority of cases, exercises in the form of a home exercise plan are recommended as a more efficient and beneficial way of managing long term symptoms. Massage rarely removes the root cause of pain and so is rarely recommended as the first treatment option.